This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ali Hynek . It has been edited for length and clarity. For a couple of years, my four kids have been asking for smartphones. Being aware of the negative impacts of smartphones , for kids and adults, my husband and I have told the kids they won't be getting smartphones until they are at least 17. We've discussed with them about why we've made this decision, explaining our reasoning rather than just making a blanket rule. Even though I think